Shrubs to trees. Leaves alternate, spiral, simple, untoothed. Stipules usually large and surrounding the stem, leaving a ring scar when dropped. Flower solitary, often terminal, bisexual, usually large, showy and aromatic, tepals free in several whorls of 3, overlapping, stamens and carpels in cone like central structure, many stamens in basal part and many carpels in upper part. Fruit usually more or less woody, splitting with ripe seeds colourful (red) and dangling from thin threads.
General info
Distribution Mostly northern hemisphere, 223 species worldwide. Ecology Not very common, but usually present in most forests. Some species become huge trees. Uses Timber and ornamentals. Similar to Annonaceae, but these have no stipules and have rays in twigs on cross section. Himantandraceae, but these have no stipules and the fruits are berries. Lauraceae but these have no stipules and much smaller flowers. Winteraceae but these have no stipules and have unisexual flowers. Remark Almost all previously recognized genera in Asia (Elmerillia, Manglietia, Michelia) have been lumped into the genus Magnolia.
Family description
Shrubs to trees.Leaves alternate, spiral, simple, untoothed. Stipules usually large and surrounding the stem, leaving a ring scar when dropped.
Flower solitary, often terminal, bisexual, usually large, showy and aromatic, tepals free in several whorls of 3, overlapping, stamens and carpels in cone like central structure, many stamens in basal part and many carpels in upper part.
Fruit usually more or less woody, splitting with ripe seeds colourful (red) and dangling from thin threads.
General info
Distribution Mostly northern hemisphere, 223 species worldwide.Ecology Not very common, but usually present in most forests. Some species become huge trees.
Uses Timber and ornamentals.
Similar to Annonaceae, but these have no stipules and have rays in twigs on cross section. Himantandraceae, but these have no stipules and the fruits are berries. Lauraceae but these have no stipules and much smaller flowers. Winteraceae but these have no stipules and have unisexual flowers.
Remark Almost all previously recognized genera in Asia (Elmerillia, Manglietia, Michelia) have been lumped into the genus Magnolia.
Treated genera
Magnoliaceae.pdf
Magnolia liliifera